Proposals due June 1 for 2008 National SPE Conference in Denver

June 1 is the postmark deadline for proposals to present papers, projects or submit panel ideas for the 2008 Society for Photographic Education (SPE) National Conference, to be held in Denver, Colorado on March 13-16. The theme for the meeting will be Agents of Change: Art and Advocacy.

From the SPE website:
“The work of a photographic artist took center stage during the 108th United States Congress. On the agenda was the fate of drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). According to Secretary Gale Norton ANWR was “a flat white nothingness.” In response, Senator Barbara Boxer denounced drilling and held up a book of photographs by Subhanker Banerjee that showed the refuge brimming with life. Congress voted to save ANWR from drilling for two more years.

Lens-based artists have been catalysts for change with imagery that advocates social and environmental awareness. Artists bear witness, interpret, expose and address problems ranging from the Aids epidemic and stereotypes in race and gender to the plight of refugees in war torn countries. In what ways are artists responding to the local and global challenges that are reshaping politics, cultures, economies and the planet? As educators, artists and scholars, what has been the historical impact of our advocacy? What role will we play in shaping the future?”

The guidelines for the “Call for Proposals” is here. Note: All applicants must be current SPE Members.